The secrets of the sixth capsule of the mega project in Uzbekistan

An exposition bringing together nearly 4,000 hadiths, more than 1,600 narrations, and rare manuscripts is sure to leave a lasting impression.

 

Within the “First Renaissance Period” section of the museum of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan a mega project built on the initiative and vision of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the sixth capsule of the exhibition dedicated to the heritage of Islamic civilization presents the legacy of the great hadith scholar Abu Isa Muhammad ibn Isa at-Tirmidhi, who made an unparalleled contribution to the development of Islamic sciences, along with the heritage of scholars who were his contemporaries or closely connected to him.

 

 

Among the great scholars who systematized the science of hadith in the history of Islamic civilization, the name of Abu Isa Muhammad ibn Isa at-Tirmidhi is mentioned with deep respect in the history of global intellectual thought. Through this exhibition section dedicated to Imam at-Tirmidhi, the scholarly and educational environment of the 9th century, the development of the hadith school, and the Islamic culture of that era are presented as a coherent whole.

 

The manuscripts, applied art objects, and information related to architectural monuments displayed here reveal the broad scope of Imam at-Tirmidhi’s legacy and the scholarly tradition that formed around him.

 

A mature model of hadith scholarship

 

At the center of the exposition stands Imam at-Tirmidhi’s most famous work, Sunan at-Tirmidhi. This copy, transcribed in 926/1520, is written in Arabic in naskh script on Eastern paper. The work is one of the six authoritative hadith collections recognized in the Islamic world and contains nearly 4,000 hadiths.

 

The scholarly significance of Sunan at-Tirmidhi lies in the fact that the hadiths are not presented merely as narrations; their authenticity, chains of transmission, as well as their juridical and spiritual meanings are analyzed in detail. According to sources, the hadiths in this work were examined using nearly fourteen branches of knowledge, demonstrating that Imam at-Tirmidhi was not only a hadith scholar but also a comprehensive and versatile intellectual.

 

The oldest source on the Prophet

 

Another work holding a special place in Imam at-Tirmidhi’s legacy is al-Shama’il al-Muhammadiyya. This book is devoted to describing the physical appearance, manners, character, and human virtues of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.

 

Containing more than 400 hadiths, this work is regarded as the oldest and most reliable source of its kind to have reached us. Over the centuries, it has been translated into many languages, served as the basis for numerous commentaries, and has been recognized as a major source that scientifically substantiates the ideal of the perfect human being.

 

Hakim at-Tirmidhi and the early tafsir tradition

 

The exposition also extensively presents the legacy of another major figure, Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ali Hakim at-Tirmidhi. His commentary on certain verses of Surah al-Fatiha and Surah al-Baqarah holds particular value as one of the earliest written tafsir works produced in the region of Mawarannahr.

 

In this work, Qur’anic verses are interpreted through both rational and transmitted methods, revealing their spiritual and practical dimensions. Although the work was not completed in full, its scholarly potential has been highly valued internationally. The later publication of this manuscript under the title Bahr al-Tafsir indicates that interest in this legacy continues to this day.

 

A path to the spiritual depth of hadith

 

Another renowned work by Hakim at-Tirmidhi, Nawadir al-Usul fi Ma‘rifat Ahadith al-Rasul, is a major source that interprets hadiths from a profound spiritual and intellectual perspective. Containing more than 1,600 narrations, this work goes beyond the external form of hadith scholarship and focuses on understanding its inner meanings.

 

The influence of this work was so strong that, according to sources, Bahauddin Naqshband stated: “Our path comes from Nawadir.”

 

Medieval applied arts: harmony of faith and aesthetics

 

Alongside scholarly heritage, the section also displays applied art objects dating to the 12^th-13^th centuries. Bronze plates, calligraphically inscribed trays, and copper water vessels from the Khurasan and Khwarazmshah periods demonstrate the harmony between art and faith in Islamic culture of that era.

 

The prayers, declarations of faith, and benevolent wishes inscribed in Kufic script on these objects served not only decorative purposes but also carried symbolic meanings calling individuals toward spiritual purity.

 

The mausoleum of Imam at-Tirmidhi: a symbol of respect for scholarly heritage

 

The exposition also includes information about the mausoleum of Imam at-Tirmidhi. This architectural monument dating back to the 10^th-11^th centuries is located in the Sherabad district of Surkhandarya region. Over the centuries, the mausoleum was restored several times and received special attention during the era of Mirzo Ulugbek.

 

As a result of restoration and improvement works carried out during the years of independence, this site has today become a major spiritual pilgrimage destination and a place of scholarly remembrance.

 

This section dedicated to Imam at-Tirmidhi brings together in one place the sciences of hadith, tafsir traditions, Sufi thought, and medieval religious culture. Each source and artifact displayed here serves to deepen the understanding of the role played by the legacy of these great scholars in the development of world civilization.